VeryDarkMan Tackles Femi Falana Over NBA Security Panel Invitation

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has fired back at renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) following criticism over his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

The controversy began after Falana, during a televised interview, questioned the bar association’s choice of panelists for specialized discussions. Addressing VDM’s appearance on a security panel titled “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen,” the senior advocate argued that the NBA conference has traditionally served as a high-level intellectual forum where speakers possess deep professional expertise and tangible contributions to the nation’s security architecture. Falana warned that featuring social media figures on specialized topics risks turning serious legal conferences into entertainment spectacles.

Reacting to the criticism in a video message, Otse defended his presence at the conference, insisting that real-life exposure to insecurity provides a perspective that formal academic study cannot duplicate. He maintained that national security affects every citizen and should not be restricted exclusively to traditional elites or theoretical analysts.

Otse attributed the opposition to his speaking role to deep-rooted class prejudice within professional circles, stating that critics are unsettled by seeing an ordinary individual without elite backing address a gathering of top legal minds. He noted that his contributions were meant to reflect the harsh realities faced by grassroots communities and ordinary travelers affected by insecurity across the country.

Expressing surprise at the senior lawyer’s remarks, the activist said he did not expect such pushback from a veteran human rights advocate. He reaffirmed that public discussions on safety, crime, and justice delivery must accommodate the direct experiences of everyday citizens who bear the greatest burden of security challenges.